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Even online, politics is a rich man’s game

BARACK OBAMA tapped the power of the internet like no other US presidential candidate. He recruited millions of online followers and raised over &dollar;500 million via the web. But did this “net roots” campaign break down traditional divisions in politics? Alas no, say political scientists.

“Obama recruited millions of online followers and raised over &dollar;500 million via the web”

“Real world” political activities, like writing a letter to an official or signing a petition, are known to vary with income. Almost 80 per cent of those in the wealthiest fifth of the US population get involved, compared with less than 40 per cent in the bottom fifth. …